Slovenia

Hidden green gem

Did you know that Slovenia won a prestigious National Geographic World Legacy Award for encouraging sustainable Tourism?
The official tourist slogan of Slovenia is 'Active. Healthy. Green'. This green part of Europe, with thousands of kilometres cycling and hiking trails and numerous thermal springs, is indeed a special place. Wherever you cross the border, you can expect an exceptional diversity of landscape that changes in spectacular fashion. A short drive of just over two hours brings you from the azure Mediterranean to Alpine peaks. From there it is not far to the Pannonian lowlands or to the gently rounded hills. And along the way is the mysterious Karst with its world-famous subterranean world. Friendly people and fine cuisine, numerous health resorts, spas and tourist farms offer something for everyone. Slovenia's Alps and wine regions remain among the most sustainable and authentic places to visit in Europe. Common to all is the green colour, and of course unspoilt nature. Everything is close by and easy accessible, so visiting Slovenia becomes an experience you will want to repeat. Enjoy in the green, active and most sustainable country in the world!

One of the most eco-friendly destinations in the world

10.000 km of marked hiking trails & 8.000 km of cycling paths

Lake Bled – most-visited attraction & Slovenia's strongest brand

World-famous caving destination (around 8.000 caves)

The capital city of Ljubljana - European green capital in 2016

Triglav - the highest mountain (2,864m) and national symbol

Something You Shouldn't Miss in Slovenia

Photo: Arhiv Postojnske jame/www.slovenia.info

Postojna Cave

Postojna Cave is with its 24 km of passages, galleries and chambers, the largest cave in the “classic karst” and the longest publicly accessible depth of any cave system in the world. The cave was first described in the 17th century. The symbol of Postojna Cave is the stalagmite named Brilliant. It is also home to the endemic olm, the largest troglodyte amphibian in the world. The most visited tourist cave in Europe (more than 38 million visitors) represents an outstanding underground world, where the geological past is recorded in a unique manner. In 2018 Postojna Cave is celebrating its 200th anniversary.

Photo: Bozo Ursic / www.slovenia.info

Idrija - UNESCO heritage

The oldest Slovenian mining town was once the largest complex for the extraction of mercury in the world. The large source of mercury was discovered in the 15th century. Since the parts of this complex are still preserved, Idrija was included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 2012 as a Heritage of Mercury. A half millennium of mining mercury in Idrija and its surroundings left an exceptionally rich heritage of technical, cultural, and historical monuments. One of them is the so-called “kamšt” - the largest wooden wheel in Europe and one of the greatest technical wonders of Slovenia. Or “klavže”– so-called “Slovenian pyramids” – unsual barrages on the river Idrijca.

Photo: B. Kladnik / www.slovenia.info

Velika Planina

The magical plateau with the largest shepherd's settlement in Europe, located in the Kamnik Alps in Slovenia at 1.611 m above sea level. Discover the simple way of the herdsmen's life, taste their homemade products and admire the unique architecture of the 140 huts and barns which are the symbol of Velika Planina. It is one of very few herdsmen's settlements of this scale preserved in Europe. The fastest way to Velika Planina is by cable car from Kamniška Bistrica. From there, you can hike (about 2 km) or take a chair lift to the top. The plateau really comes alive in summer, with the arrival of shepherds who occupy the huts until September when the pasture season is over.